Beyond the Ribbon Blog

How My Mom Inspired My Mission — and My Sole Star Story

Guest Blogger: Brenda Karp For more than 25 years, I’ve been involved with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. I first reached out to VBCF many years ago to volunteer, and I was assigned to help plan the Gala for the organization’s 10th Anniversary. That was the start of my journey. Over the years I continued…
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Community Partner Highlight: DECA at Armstrong High School in Richmond, Virginia

By: Shelley Callahan, Director of Development Our community partners are all incredibly valuable to us to help ensure that we can continue our work supporting Virginians impacted by breast cancer. From elementary school students to senior citizens, passionate individuals across the state host amazing community events during October –  National Breast Cancer Awareness Month –…
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Power of Pink Roanoke Luncheon 2025: A Celebration of Strength, Hope, and Community

by Antonia Arias-Magallon, Events Manager, Southwest Virginia The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) was honored to host this year’s Power of Pink Roanoke Luncheon at the historic Hotel Roanoke on October 21st. The event brought together survivors, supporters, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to celebrate hope, raise critical funds, and reaffirm our shared commitment to…
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Fashion on the Journey: VBCF’s 2025 Richmond Luncheon Inspires Hope

By Shelley Callahan, Director of Development The 2nd annual Richmond Power of Pink Luncheon took a different spin this year to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a luncheon and fashion show at the Jefferson Hotel on October 3rd. Thirteen breast cancer survivors and thrivers showcased fabulous outfits of their own choosing, while…
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Make Moves Against Breast Cancer: A New Way to Give Back

Join VBCF’s new Make Moves Against Breast Cancer campaign—raise funds your way by walking, running, biking, or moving however you like. Sign up today!

AI in Mammography: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement for Your Doctor

by Erin Steigleder, MSW, Director of Programs What is happening with the use of AI and mammograms? You have probably seen some headlines over the past year or two about how medicine can make use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and you may have even seen something about AI being used to “look” at mammograms.…
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How Mastectomy Boutique Fittings Work (And What Insurance Covers)

By Grace Rush, Certified Mastectomy Fitter   The Pink Ribbon Boutique in Richmond, VA, specializes in helping individuals feel comfortable and supported after breast surgery by providing post-mastectomy bras, prostheses, and compression garments — all in a compassionate and welcoming environment.  If you’ve never visited a mastectomy boutique before, you might be wondering: What happens during…
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Pink Shoes, Powerful Impact: Sole Stars Campaign Launches Statewide

We are excited to announce the expansion of our amazing Sole Stars campaign in 2025! As one of VBCF’s signature fundraising events, we received amazing support from our 2022, 2023, and 2024 Sole Stars. We are now expanding our Sole Stars so all Virginians can participate no matter where they live!  “Sole Stars is such…
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Resource Spotlight: Virginia is for Library Lovers

by Nikki Jennings, Resource Coordinator Like any new experience in life, dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis can be unexpected, scary  and downright overwhelming. Since our founding in the early 90s, we’ve made it our mission to help empower Virginians with reliable resources they can trust. In this blog, we’re offering some help to one…
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Breast Cancer Survivorship: Hope, Healing, and What Comes Next

by Kayla Jarvis, VCU MSW Intern What Is Cancer Survivorship? June is Cancer Survivorship Month which is a great time for us to focus on the hope of living a healthy life beyond a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on the advances in research, clinical trials, and…
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Fighting Funding Cuts, Demanding Access: VBCF at the 2025 NBCC Summit

By Kirsta Millar, Director of Policy A strong and mighty contingent of Virginia advocates made the trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, May 3-6. VBCF awarded Noss Scholarships* to seven volunteer advocates from all regions of the Commonwealth to attend. Advocates traveled from…
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Introducing Our Newest Team Members!

VBCF is thrilled to welcome two new staff members to our dedicated team – Shelley Callahan and Antonia Arias-Magallon. Shelley is joining us as our statewide Director of Development, and Antonia (Toni) is our Southwest Virginia Events Manager. Together, they are working to retain and build community relationships for mission-focused fundraising to strengthen and expand our…
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6 Types of Breast Cancer Screening Tests: What You Need to Know

By Erin Steigleder, MSW, Director of Programs When it comes to breast cancer screening, you may be surprised to know that mammography isn’t the only game in town. We’re going to highlight six imaging tests that can be used in breast cancer screening and, spoiler, why you might end up sticking with mammography. Screening is…
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Resource Coordination Spotlight: Triage Cancer

By Nikki Jennings, Resource Coordinator A key part of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation’s Resource Coordination Program is staying connected with leading cancer support organizations. These partnerships help us share the latest tools and information to support you along your breast cancer journey.  These wonderful community connections continue to help us create a resource hub…
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In Memory of Sudie Stultz

This month, we remember Sudie Stultz—an extraordinary volunteer, founding member of the VBCF Peninsula Chapter, and driving force behind initiatives that continue to shape our work today. Sudie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. Following her treatment, she transformed her experience into action, helping to establish the Peninsula Chapter and becoming a vital part…
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Virginia Just Took a Big Step to Protect Patients & Expand Cancer Care

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly Session wrapped up on February 22, 2025, after a fast-paced but impactful session. Lawmakers introduced nearly 2,500 bills, alongside intense negotiations on amendments to the Commonwealth’s two-year budget. Now, all bills that passed both the House and Senate move to Governor Youngkin for review. He has until March 24, 2025,…
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In Memory of Don Geisler

We are deeply saddened to share that Don Geisler, a cherished member of our VBCF family, has passed away. Don’s journey with VBCF began through his wife, Barbara, who was active with our local chapters and state office. In 1996, when Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer, Don stood by her side as they navigated…
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Extending Dry January? Here’s the Latest on Alcohol and Cancer

A Bold Suggestion: Should Alcohol Carry a Cancer Warning? In the past few weeks, we’ve seen some interesting headlines about alcohol. At the beginning of the year, Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recommended that alcohol start carrying a warning to people that imbibing alcohol can increase their risk of developing cancer, in addition to current…
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Advocates Brave the Cold to Champion Breast Cancer Legislation

Waiting in line for half an hour in 15-degree weather outside the General Assembly did not deter our VBCF advocates! Despite the bitter cold and a packed legislative building, nearly 30 dedicated volunteer advocates from across the Commonwealth made a significant impact during our 2025 State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day last week. Advocates traveled from…
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